Aug 2026· Journal of Agricultural Sciences· Vol 18, pp. 76· 0 citations
Abstract
Smallholder maize farming in Bungoma County, Kenya, continues to face labour shortages, low productivity, and inefficient farm operations, increasing the need for mechanization among smallholder farmers. However, the use of agricultural machinery remains constrained by limited awareness, inadequate credit access, and financial limitations. This study examined factors influencing the use of tractors, chisel ploughs, sprayers, and sheller machines among 330 smallholder maize farmers in Bungoma County using a multivariate probit (MVP) model. The findings revealed significant complementarities among machinery use decisions, justifying the suitability of the MVP approach (Wald χ2 = 157.08, p < 0.001). Age positively influenced the use of tractors (β = 0.0369, p < 0.01) and shellers (β = 0.0272, p < 0.05), indicating that older farmers are more likely to adopt mechanization due to accumulated farming experience and financial stability. Education significantly increased the likelihood of using tractors (β = 0.3062, p < 0.01), sprayers (β = 0.3885, p < 0.01), and shellers (β = 0.2083, p < 0.10). Awareness of mechanization strongly enhanced the use of all machinery types, including tractors (β = 1.5499, p < 0.01) and shellers (β = 1.7988, p < 0.01). Cooperative membership positively affected the use of chisel ploughs (β = 0.5709, p < 0.01) and shellers (β = 0.7379, p < 0.01), while access to market information significantly increased sprayer use (β = 0.3635, p < 0.05). The study recommends strengthening extension services, cooperative-based mechanization models, and affordable credit systems to enhance mechanization uptake and improve maize productivity among smallholder farmers.
Agricultural mechanization is crucial in improving productivity and reducing labor dependency. However, the adoption of machinery in Nepal's hilly regions remains limited.The study was conducted to identify the determinants of farm machinery adoption among maize farmers in Khotang, Nepal. Data were collected from 123 randomly selected farm households through a pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) were conducted with selected participants. In analyzing data, descriptive statistics and a probit regression model were employed. Consequently, 56.09% of the farmers had adopted at least one type of farm machinery. Power tillers, shellers, and maize planters are the commonly adopted machinery. Regular contact with extension workers and membership in either farmers groups or cooperatives had a highly significant positive effect on the adoption of farm machinery. The most common reasons for non-adoption are high rental costs, lack of technical knowledge and small fragmented landholdings. While, women-specific training is the most needed support reported by women farmers. Hence, this study revealed that institutional and social factors are more important than individual characteristics in adopting mechanization. Strengthening extension services together with farmers groups and cooperatives is an issue of priority in promoting mechanization for maize-based hill farming systems in Nepal.
Bishal Rawat, Anish Bilash Panta, S. Bhatta et al.· Nepalese Journal of Agricult...· 0 citations
Depletion of soil fertility over time remains a major challenge limiting agricultural productivity in Kenya, particularly for maize, the country’s staple crop. Despite the novelty of soil testing in enhancing agricultural productivity, adoption remains limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the factors influencing smallholder maize farmers’ decision to conduct soil testing in western Kenya. The study used descriptive statistics to summarize the data, and a logistic regression model on a sample of 1,592 to evaluate the determinants of soil testing among farmers. Descriptive statistics show that less than 8% of farmers had conducted soil tests on their farms, and about 7% knew where to obtain soil testing services. The logistic results show that access to extension services (
p
< 0.01), age of the household head (
p
< 0.01), group membership (
p
< 0.01), farmers’ awareness about where to obtain soil testing services (
p
< 0.05), land size (
p
< 0.05), perceived fertility of the soil (
p
< 0.05), economically active household members (
p
< 0.10) are statistically significant in influencing the decision to conduct soil testing. This study recommends promoting access to soil testing services and enhancing farmer awareness through targeted communication strategies to increase soil testing.
Fido Orawo, D. Okello, J. Olwande et al.· Frontiers in Sustainable Foo...· 0 citations
Farmland access remains a key constraint for smallholder farmers in Nigeria, with increasing reliance on the land rental market. This study investigates the determinants of farmland market participation among smallholder farmers in Ogun State across different land arrangement types, socio-economic characteristics, and participation outcomes. Primary data from 150 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, bivariate logit model, and a problem ranking index. Result of the socio-economic analysis revealed that most farmers were above 40 years, with farming as a secondary occupation for many. Participation in the rental market was notable, with 58% renting in land and 41.3% renting out. Multinomial regression results showed that education significantly reduced the likelihood of choosing ownership (p < 0.001), communal (p = 0.056), and sharecropping (p = 0.009). Farm size positively influenced selection of ownership (B = 0.81, p = 0.001) and communal (B = 1.11, p = 0.004) arrangements. Bivariate logit estimates showed land size significantly reduced the likelihood of renting in (B = -0.84, p = 0.012) but increased renting out (B = 1.02, p = 0.018). Household size increased rent-in participation (B = 0.56, p = 0.031), whereas age significantly influenced rent-out decisions (B = 0.44, p = 0.022). The significant correlation coefficient (rho = 0.411, p = 0.008) indicated interdependence between both decisions. The findings reveal a dynamic farmland market shaped by socio-economic pressures and land scarcity. Land tenure arrangements, farmers' cooperatives, and land information services need to be strengthened to improve land access and rural productivity.
Q. G. Nafiu, W. M. Ashagidigbi, A. O. Ijaoba et al.· FUDMA Journal of Agriculture...· 0 citations
Maize production plays a critical role in enhancing food security, income generation, and rural livelihoods in Kenya. Smallholder farmers contribute a substantial proportion of national maize output, yet their productivity remains below potential due to various socioeconomic constraints. This study examined the socioeconomic factors influencing maize production among smallholder farmers in Bungoma-North Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya, with a view to enhancing food security. The study was guided by the Theory of Production, which explains how variations in production inputs and resources influence agricultural output. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, targeting smallholder maize farmers within Naitiri, Mbakalo, and Kabuyefwe wards. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The socioeconomic variables examined included credit accessibility, land ownership, labor availability, educational attainment, income levels, and demographic characteristics. Findings revealed that socioeconomic factors significantly influenced maize production among smallholder farmers. Access to credit enhanced the ability of farmers to purchase improved inputs and adopt modern farming technologies. Household income levels positively influenced investment in agricultural production, while educational attainment improved farmers’ capacity to adopt recommended agronomic practices. Land ownership and farm size were also found to significantly affect maize yields due to their influence on production scale and resource allocation. Regression analysis demonstrated that socioeconomic factors significantly predicted maize production outcomes, indicating that improvements in access to financial resources, education, labor, and productive assets could substantially increase maize productivity and strengthen household food security. The study concludes that socioeconomic factors remain fundamental determinants of maize production among smallholder farmers and should be prioritized in agricultural development programs. The study recommends strengthening rural credit systems, promoting farmer education and training, improving access to agricultural inputs, and supporting income-generating activities that enhance farmers’ production capacity. These interventions would contribute significantly to sustainable maize production and improved food security in Bungoma-North Sub-County and similar agricultural regions.
M. Kombe, R. Onamu, Lydiah Wamocha· African journal of agricultu...· 0 citations
Maize contributes to food security and household income in Uganda, yet the uptake of improved agronomic practices remains uneven. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge and use of improved maize production practices in Kiryandongo District and examined factors associated with inorganic fertiliser application. A comparative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 180 maize farmers, comprising 90 adopters and 90 non-adopters. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and binary logistic regression with marginal effects. Farmers reported high knowledge of early planting and harvesting (98.8%), pest control (95.1%), crop scouting (100%), and timely weeding. However, the implementation of several practices was limited among non-adopters, including tractor use (5%), purchase of inputs from licensed stockists (2%), recommended spacing (4%), organic manure application (3%), seed purchase (2%), and selection of the type of seed purchased (1%). Fertiliser application among non-adopters was 40%. Education was positively associated with fertiliser use (p = 0.017; marginal effect = 0.063), whereas gender, distance to the nearest trading centre, income, farmer-group membership, and maize-production experience were not statistically significant. The findings indicate a gap between farmers’ knowledge and their implementation of recommended practices. Strengthened practical extension, demonstration-based training, adult education, farmer organisation, and improved access to affordable inputs and credit may support more consistent uptake.
S. Lwasa, Mercy Namuli· Journal of Scientific Resear...· 0 citations
Indigenous chicken (IC) production is an important livelihood activity for smallholder farmers in Kenya, contributing to food security, nutrition, and household income. Despite rising demand for improved indigenous chicken (IIC) products, adoption remains low, averaging 24% nationally and 14% in Moiben Sub-County. This study examined the economic factors influencing both the adoption and adoption intensity of IIC technology among smallholder farmers in Moiben Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Theory of the Firm, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 156 farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and a double-hurdle econometric model. The results showed that age and access to government or non-governmental organisation (NGO) programmes significantly increased the likelihood of adoption, whereas farming experience, access to market information, market outlets, and value addition reduced it. Adoption intensity was positively influenced by veterinary and extension services but negatively affected by distance to markets, market outlets, and participation in government or NGO programmes. These findings indicate that the determinants of initial adoption differ from those shaping post-adoption intensity. Strengthening market linkages, veterinary and extension services, farmer organisations, and post-adoption support programmes is recommended to enhance commercialisation, productivity, and the sustainable uptake of IIC technology in Kenya.
Dorothy J. Bomett, Elijah Ng’eno, Ben Chesoo· Asian Journal of Agricultura...· 0 citations
